Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 15:16:43 +0300 [01/08/2009 06:16:43 AM CST]
From: jensdy ; Kenya
Subject: RE: KENYANS MUST SUPPORT TEACHERS STRIKE

Just been thinking about this issue of harmonisation of teachers’ salaries.

What I don’t understand, will teachers give up their holidays since other civil servants are entitled to 21 days of leave every year?

Teachers have 15 days in April, 15 days in August and 35 days in December, that’s a whooping 66 days a year fully paid.

Don’t you think they are asking too much!!

Just a thought

Jens

From: Barbara Khalibinzwa
Sent: 08 January 2009 11:11
Subject: Re: KENYANS MUST SUPPORT TEACHERS STRIKE

I totally agree with you. We as Kenyans must show solidarity with teachers. Most parents are celebrating their children’s brilliant performances in national examinations due to teachers’ tireless contributions. Why Ongeri should talk such rubbish is beyond reason. How much did they add to their salaries and allowances without even batting an eye lid? And what Marende said about tax and MP allowances is still burning my ears. We are held at ransom by the very people we elected to represent us in parliament. Where is the change and equitable distribution of resources we heard about so much during campaigns? If it can happen to teachers it can happen to all of us who are paying taxes through our noses to support the lifestyles of these MPs.

— On Wed, 1/7/09, henry ouma wrote:

From: henry ouma
Subject: KENYANS MUST SUPPORT TEACHERS STRIKE
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2009, 9:37 PM

Friends,

I am disappointed by remarks made by minister the Hon. Prof. Ongeri that Kenya’s economy cannot afford what teachers want paid—–Ant such remarks in bad taste ?

Can Ongeri explain what MP’s do for them to earn over kshs—800,000 more than what senators in the US earn ? yet US is perhaps the richest economy on earth ? Is Kenya meant for MP’s and their families ?

Kenyan teachers deserve even more than what they are asking for : Kenyans must support teachers in their quest for better terms of employment including better salaries and allowances

Unless Kenyan MP’s create processes that we see fairness in income distribution and social provisioning arrangements for the socio-economically disadvantaged——There is no reason for peace in Kenya and persistent struggles for fundamental change in management of national affairs including distribution of resources MUST continue.